The Healing Power of Laughter and Escape
*Because Sometimes Soul Work Looks Like Binge-Watching in Pajamas*
Let’s be real — not every healing moment looks like a spiritual retreat in the mountains or hours of deep journaling by candlelight. Sometimes, healing looks like stretchy pants, a perfectly timed meme, and laughing until you wheeze over a ridiculous comedy sketch.
I’m Sonia Iris Lozada — actor, poet, and over-thinker turned wisdom whisperer — and in this week’s episode of Overheard at Chica’s Café, I talk about the underrated brilliance of laughter and the sacred pause of escapism.
And no, I’m not talking about ignoring your feelings or bypassing reality. I’m talking about intentional joy. That full-body exhale that comes when you let go of the need to “fix” everything and just let yourself feel better for five minutes.
What I’ve Learned from Laughing at the Absurd
A few years ago, I was going through grief, exhaustion, and burnout all at once. You know the kind — where even brushing your teeth feels like a workout.
Instead of trying to meditate it away or “be productive,” I surrendered. I turned on a silly video. And I laughed. Not a polite giggle — I mean an ugly, snorting, can’t-breathe, just-peeled-myself-off-the-floor kind of laugh.
That moment did more for my nervous system than any affirmation ever could.
Escape Isn’t Weakness — It’s Wisdom
We tend to treat escape like it’s a dirty word. But the truth is, conscious escapism is an emotional palate cleanser.
Without it, we’d all be walking around like mannequins with unresolved childhood issues — smile painted on, dead behind the eyes. (Yeah… I said it.)
Escaping into a feel-good story, a comedy binge, or a joyful distraction doesn’t mean you’re broken. It means you know when to put the heavy stuff down.
Try These Soulful Escapes
- Laugh List: Make a list of videos, shows, or jokes that never fail to crack you up.
- Comedy Night: Pick one night a week for intentional joy. No true crime. No drama. Just light.
- Journal the Ridiculous: What silly thing happened this week? Write it like a stand-up set.
Listen Now
If this blog made you smile or sigh in relief, go listen to the full episode:
The Healing Power of Laughter and Escape — now streaming on all platforms.
And remember, you don’t always need a breakthrough. Sometimes, you just need a break.
With love and laughter,
Sonia
The June 2024 episode of Overheard at Chica’s Café Podcast features Jean Philippe Kaya, a versatile artist known for his skills as a DJ, classical pianist, musician, and producer. Tune in to hear about his journey into the world of DJing, his music career, and valuable advice for aspiring individuals in these creative fields.
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Our episode of the Overheard at Chica’s Café, aired in April 2024, we are joined by Dominic Rambaran, a fellow actor whom I have known for many years. We delve into his experiences in the world of acting and discuss the humorous and challenging moments he has encountered on stage and in the industry. Tune in to gain insight into the journey of an actor’s life.
This month’s special guest on Overheard at Chica’s Café is entertainment attorney Mark Pearson. Although this episode may be longer than others, it is packed with fascinating discussions. We delve into the legalities and requirements for success in the music, film, and entertainment industries. AI and its impact on creative property also takes center stage in our conversation. If you’re interested in learning about thriving in the constantly evolving entertainment world, this episode is a must-listen. And as a bonus, we go into further depth on the topic of AI due to the extended length of this episode in a separate episode.
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